What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It usually begins as a non-cancerous tissue growth (polyp) on the inner portions of the colon or rectum, turning cancerous over time if it remains undetected. Colorectal cancer typically begins in the large intestine in the form of benign cell clumps, and some of these later may become cancerous. Early discovery of polyps before they develop into malignant growth can allow for earlier treatment and even possibly prevent cancer from developing. Cancer cells can potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated for an extended period (metastasis).
Back To: Colorectal Cancer & Other Conditions Main Page
Colorectal Cancer Prevalence in Singapore
Colorectal cancer is a top cancer in Singapore. It is the 2nd most frequently occurring cancer for men and women for the period 2019-2023, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2023. The data in the report also indicates that this cancer is the second most common cause of death in cancer patients. Therefore, understanding the risk factors, prevention techniques, and treatment options is important for early detection and better outcomes from colorectal cancer treatment.
According to Healthhub, “the age-standardised incidences of colon & rectal cancer in Singapore are among the highest in the world. In particular, male Chinese Singaporeans have the dubious honour of having the highest age-standardised incidence of rectal cancer in the world”, and “male Chinese Singaporeans are, particularly at risk”. Furthermore, the “majority of colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps. Malignant transformation of adenomatous polyps (adenoma-carcinoma sequence) takes 5 to 10 years via multiple gene mutations. Adenomatous polyps are relatively asymptomatic. They are present in up to 25% of individuals at age 50 and the prevalence increases with age. Most polyps (90%) can be removed at colonoscopy, thereby precluding the need for surgery”.
What Is The Survival Rate For Colorectal Cancer?
In the early-stages, the cancer has an 84 and 86% survival rate for men and women, respectively. However, the survival rate drops drastically, about 10-11% for both genders, if the colon cancer progresses to stage IV (based on 2011-2015 data).
What Are The Causes Of Colorectal Cancer & Risk Factors?
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are still unknown. However, some of the known risk factors of colon & rectal cancer include:
- Family history of the cancer
- Lack of nutritional diet
- Inactive lifestyle
- Age over 50
- Other diseases like diabetes and obesity
What Are The Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer often does not manifest symptoms in the early stages. Without screening, the disease may be missed until it has progressed. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Disruption in the bowel movement
- Consistent diarrhea and constipation
- Recurrent bowel movements with blood in them
- Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, as well as gas or bloating
- Fatigue or a feeling of exhaustion
- Gastrointestinal insufficiency
- Sudden weight loss
How To Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer prevention relies on routine clinical screening alongside targeted lifestyle modifications. Screening identifies and removes precancerous polyps before they transform into malignant tumours, providing the single most effective defense against colon and rectal cancers.
- Annual FIT Tests (Age 50+): The Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends an annual Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for average-risk adults to detect hidden blood in stool.
- Colonoscopy Every 10 Years: Average-risk individuals should schedule a screening colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50. High-risk individuals—such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic syndromes (Lynch syndrome, FAP), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—require earlier and more frequent screening.
- High-Fiber Diet: Eating whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables accelerates intestinal transit time and reduces colon mucosa exposure to carcinogens.
- Limit Red & Processed Meats: Restrict consumption of processed meats (sausages, ham, bacon) and keep red meat intake under 500 grams of cooked weight per week.
- Physical Activity & Weight: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly and maintain a healthy Asian BMI (18.5–22.9 kg/m²) to lower chronic bowel inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Habit Management: Avoid all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption to reduce systemic cancer risks.
What Are The Costs Of Screening & Testing For Colorectal Cancer?
In Singapore, Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits are free for eligible citizens via the Health Promotion Board, or $0–$5 under Screen for Life. Screening colonoscopies generally range from S$500 to S$1,700 in subsidised public hospitals and S$2,000 to S$3,500+ in private clinics, with claims offset by MediSave and insurance.
Note: The above may include both historical and estimated prices as of time of writing. Prices will vary depending on the clinic, hospital, doctor seniority, and specific tests included. Please check directly with your chosen clinic or healthcare provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Which Doctor For Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer treatment relies on a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists who collaborate to create a personalised care plan based on the cancer’s stage, location, and specific characteristics.
1. Colorectal Surgeon (Surgical Oncologist)
A colorectal surgeon (a general surgeon specializing in colon and rectal conditions) plays a central role in diagnosing, staging, and surgically treating colorectal cancer.
- Role: Performs surgical resections to remove cancerous tumors, affected segments of the bowel, and surrounding lymph nodes.
- Treatments: Uses procedures ranging from advanced endoscopic resections (for very early polyps) to minimally invasive, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgeries.
2. Medical Oncologist
A medical oncologist specializes in systemic cancer therapies that travel through the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
- Role: Manages non-surgical systemic drug treatments before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic cancer.
- Treatments: Administers chemotherapy, targeted therapy (drugs targeting specific proteins or genetic mutations in tumor cells), and immunotherapy.
3. Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist uses high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Role: Most frequently involved in treating rectal cancer to shrink tumors prior to surgery (neoadjuvant radiation) or to eliminate remaining cancer cells post-surgery (adjuvant radiation).
- Treatments: Delivers external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or specialized techniques often combined with low-dose chemotherapy.
Preferred Doctors For Colorectal Treatment In Singapore
If you are looking for a doctor for colorectal cancer treatment, you can consider our Preferred Doctor partners:
Dr Chong Choon Seng – Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Chong Choong Seng is a specialist in advanced colorectal and general surgery. Articles reviewed by Dr Chong:
Dr Lee Kuok Chung – Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Lee Kuok Chung is a specialist in colorectal cancer, robotic surgery, endoscopy, and perianal conditions. Articles reviewed by Dr Lee:
- Colorectal Surgery In Singapore – What To Ask A Surgeon Before Making A Decision
- Guide To Finding A Top Colorectal Surgeon In Singapore For Laparoscopic Surgery
- Colonoscopy Screening Singapore – Why A Colonoscopy Is Important For Colorectal Health
- Colorectal Surgery In Singapore: Keyhole / Laparoscopic Surgery For Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Dr Daniel Lee – Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore
Dr Daniel Lee is a specialist in advanced colorectal surgery and minimally invasive GI and anorectal treatments. Articles reviewed by Dr Lee:
Dr Chong Choon Seng 张峻诚医生
[SG] Featured Doctor- Dr Kevin Koo
Resources To Help You Find A Doctor
Which Hospitals And Medical Centres Are There For Screening & Treatment?
For colorectal cancer screening and treatment in Singapore, care is available across public cancer centres, private hospitals, and diagnostic facilities. In the public sector, major institutions like the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)—alongside public hospitals like SGH and TTSH—provide comprehensive screening, therapeutic colonoscopies, specialised surgery, and oncology care.
For private care, sub-specialised colorectal clinics operate within hospital hubs including Mount Elizabeth (Orchard and Novena), Gleneagles, Farrer Park, and Mount Alvernia.
For early detection, standalone health screening centres—such as AsiaMedic, RadLink, and Lifescan—offer Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT), screening colonoscopies, and CT colonography to identify precancerous polyps before symptoms develop.
Explore: Find A Hospital resources.
What Is The Cost Of Coronary Artery Disease Treatment In Singapore?
The cost of colon & rectal cancer treatment will vary based on the choice of hospital and the type of treatment needed. It may be around S$70,000 on average in private healthcare, but can easily be up to hundreds of thousands.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery Cost
| Procedure | Type of Hospital | Average Cost (Data accessed in May 26) |
| Colorectal (SF803C) | Private | S$55,865(Inpatient) |
| Public (Unsubsidised) | S$23,887 (Ward A) | |
| Public (Subsidised) | S$6,288 (Ward C) |
Chemotherapy Cost
Chemotherapy costs in Singapore depend on the type and of drugs used, and the number of times they have to be administered. Data from MOH (accessed in Sep 2024) provided these average chemotherapy costs in Singapore (Code: R63Z):
| Type of Hospital (Day Surgery) | Average Cost (data accessed in May 26) |
| Private | S$12,766 |
| Public | $485 |
Radiotherapy Cost
The cost of radiotherapy in Singapore can vary depending on the number of sessions required and the type of equipment used. The cost of radiotherapy in Singapore can range from S$25,000 to S$30,000.
Note: The above may include both historical and estimated prices as of time of writing. Prices will vary depending on the clinic, hospital, doctor seniority, and specific tests included. Please check directly with your chosen clinic or healthcare provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Additional Resources On Costs
- Colorectal Surgery Cost in Singapore vs Malaysia: Price Comparison
- Colonoscopy Cost Comparison: Singapore vs Malaysia & Thailand
- Financial Planning For Cost Of Medical Treatment
- MediSave And Medishield Life Coverage For Overseas Singaporeans
What Are The Insurance And Financing Considerations For This Condition?
Health & Hospitalisation (H&S) Insurance
- MediShield Life: Singapore’s national health insurance automatically covers all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents for life, regardless of pre-existing heart conditions. It is pegged at subsidised Class B2/C public hospital wards. It provides coverage for daily ward stays, colorectal cancer surgeries (e.g., colectomy or rectal resections), biopsy testing, and outpatient cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, subject to fixed claim limits and an annual limit of S$200,000.
- Integrated Shield Plans (IPs): For those seeking treatment in Class A/B1 public wards or private hospitals, commercial IPs provide additional coverage above MediShield Life. These significantly increase annual claim limits (up to S$1 million to S$2+ million) and cover higher proportions of private hospital or single-room bills, as well as outpatient chemotherapy drugs listed on the Cancer Drug List (CDL).
- Critical Illness (CI) Riders/Policies: While H&S insurance pays hospital bills directly, CI plans issue a lump-sum cash payout upon diagnosis of covered colorectal cancer stages (such as early-stage polyps/carcinoma in situ under Early CI, or major advanced-stage colon cancer). This helps offset loss of income, long-term rehabilitation, or non-medical recovery costs.
Find A Financial Adviser
If you are looking for a financial adviser to help navigate the complexities of insurance claims and financial planner for medical contingencies, you can consider our Preferred Financial Adviser partners:
Find A Panel Doctor
Looking for a doctor on the panel of your insurance provider? The following may be useful:
External Link: Health Insurance & Panel Doctor Networks
MediSave Usage & Government Subsidies
- Government Subsidies: Singaporeans receiving colorectal cancer care as subsidised patients at public hospitals or polyclinics receive up to 50% to 80% direct government subsidies on inpatient stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and treatments based on means-testing.
- Inpatient & Surgical MediSave Withdrawal: MediSave can be used to pay for co-payments, deductibles, or ward fees. For surgical procedures like colectomies or rectal resections, MediSave withdrawal limits depend on the surgery’s complexity under the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). For day-surgery colonoscopies with polyp removal, specific withdrawal limits apply.
- Outpatient MediSave:
- Cancer Treatments & Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP): Patients can draw up to S$600 or S$1,200 per month from MediSave for outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy listed on the Cancer Drug List (CDL). Additionally, patients with pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes or hypertension) can use up to S$500 or S$700 per year under the CDMP.
- Outpatient Scans & Surveillance: Up to S$600 per year per patient can be withdrawn from MediSave for non-inpatient diagnostic scans, such as CT colonography, abdominal CT scans, or MRI scans used for cancer staging and ongoing surveillance.
Financial Assistance (MediFund & Support Schemes)
- MediFund: A government safety net designed as an endowment fund to help needy Singaporeans who cannot afford their remaining medical bills even after government subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave drawdowns. Patients can apply through the Medical Social Work department at any public hospital or restructured centre.
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) & Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs):
- Singapore Cancer Society: Offers free screening initiatives (such as distributed FIT kits), specialized cancer rehabilitation services, ostomy and stoma care supplies, and direct financial aid schemes—including the Cancer Care Fund and Welfare Aid Fund—to assist low- and middle-income patients with treatment and daily expenses.
- Hospital Trust Funds: Public health clusters (such as SingHealth and National Healthcare Group) run dedicated patient assistance funds (e.g., SingHealth Health System Development Fund or NUHS Fund) supported by donors to help low-income colorectal cancer patients pay for non-subsidised medical items, specialized cancer drugs, ostomy appliances, or nutritional supplements.
FAQs
What is the difference between rectal and colon cancer?
Colon cancer forms in the colon (i.e. longest part of the large intestine). On the other hand, rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closes to the anus). These cancers affect the digestive system.
What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Common symptoms of colon & rectal cancer may include changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool), persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain), rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, weakness or fatigue, and a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely. However, early stages may not cause any symptoms.
Is colorectal cancer curable?
The cancer is highly treatable and often curable when localised to the intestines or rectum. Surgery is the primary form of treatment and results in cure approximately 50% of the time. Recurrence following surgery is often the ultimate cause of death.
Is bowel preparation for colonoscopy unpleasant?
Colonoscopy preparation is now much improved. Patients will take medications the day before to help them empty their bowels so that the doctor can get a clear view of the colon. Fasting is required prior to the procedure. Drinks that are red or orange should be avoided as they may be mistaken by the doctor for blood during the colonoscopy.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colorectal cancer is diagnosed through several methods, including a colonoscopy, during which a flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the entire colon and rectum and take biopsies of any suspicious areas. Other diagnostic tests may include flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), and stool DNA tests.
Contact Us For An Appointment
If you are concerned about your colorectal health and wish to consult a specialist, we can help with an appointment. Contact us via the button below.
Contact UsAdditional Resources
- The Role of Robotic Surgery in Modern Colorectal Procedures | Ark Surgical Practice
- Why Early Detection and Removal of Colon Polyps is Crucial | Crest Surgical Practice
- Robotic Colorectal Cancer Surgery | Colorectal Clinic Associates
- Chemotherapy for colon cancer | Mayo Clinic
- Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy) in Singapore | National Cancer Centre of Singapore
All content on this site is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 995 immediately or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
health365.sg is a member of Group 365Asia.